The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls

Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: EssexMame on March 05, 2013, 11:30:58 am

Title: Forstner
Post by: EssexMame on March 05, 2013, 11:30:58 am
A lot of talk here on the Forstner bit.

What is it used for (in Arcade Cabinets), and if you don't have one what's the alternative way of doing the same tasks?
Title: Re: Forstner
Post by: spoot on March 05, 2013, 12:04:42 pm
Button holes mostly.   Otherwise, spade bit or hole saw.
Title: Re: Forstner
Post by: kahlid74 on March 05, 2013, 12:40:13 pm
Button holes mostly.   Otherwise, spade bit or hole saw.

Pretty much what Spoot said.  Forstner are superior because they do really well "shaving" the wood away.  Hole saw's have trouble moving the wood particles away and can "burn" the wood.  Spade work but aren't always stable/good cuts.
Title: Re: Forstner
Post by: Drnick on March 05, 2013, 01:34:57 pm
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Silverline-FORSTNER-DRILL-BITS-ALL-SIZES-Titanium-Coated-hinge-boring-hole-/150778417537?pt=UK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&var=&hash=item231b181181 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Silverline-FORSTNER-DRILL-BITS-ALL-SIZES-Titanium-Coated-hinge-boring-hole-/150778417537?pt=UK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&var=&hash=item231b181181)

I just got the 1 a 30mm and have used it to cut all my button holes (Including the button holes in the perspex).

You can get cheaper sets, but as we should all know the cheapest option is not normally the best. 
Title: Re: Forstner
Post by: PL1 on March 05, 2013, 11:49:02 pm
Another use for a forstner bit is for the inset/pocket (?) hinges like Mcseforsale used for the CP on The Blue Pill.

The hinge mounts in the flat-bottomed hole made by the forstner.


Scott
Title: Re: Forstner
Post by: EssexMame on March 06, 2013, 05:25:11 am
Thanks (again!) all.

I've got a 28mm spade bit for the button holes, which I was happy with. It did "pop" out the bottom of the wood on my trial chipboard, but I'll get round that with a second scrap of wood clamped underneath next time.

I'd seen what features a Forstner bit had, but none seemed to relate to the cabinet except for holes which I was already happy I'd sorted :-) Still, if I get a router I may as well get a Forstner bit if they do holes easier/better.
Title: Re: Forstner
Post by: yaksplat on March 06, 2013, 10:21:22 am
I use 1-1/8" for all button holes and 1-3/8" for the hinges.

I also use a 5/8" for predrilling plexi before routing.  My flush bit is 1/2" so I have 1/16"clearance for the bit.